When you think about large home improvement projects like siding your house or having a new roof put in place, your mind probably jumps to the summer months when construction of all kinds is at its peak. Many homeowners mistakenly put off roof repairs and installations during the cold season, but did you know that it’s perfectly possible to have a successful and quality roof installation in the winter? Though not without challenges, winter roof installations are a service we’re happy to provide. Read this guide and discover for yourself why winter roof installations are possible.
Why Waiting for Warmer Weather Isn’t the Answer
There’s most likely a reason you’re thinking about a roof repair, even in the middle of winter. Maybe a storm passed through and ripped shingles off, causing your roof to leak every time it storms. In a scenario like this, waiting for warmer weather only increases the damage done to your roof and as water damage inside your home as well. Even without storms, melting snow and ice during the spring months will seep through the holes in your roof, possibly damaging the inside of your attic or other areas of your home. Getting the repairs done now makes more sense, even if it’s less than ideal.
Is Winter Roof Installation the Same as in Summer?
Now that we know it’s possible to have a roof repaired or installed in the winter months, it’s important we know if this unconventional time frame is worth the hassle. The good news is that the process to install a roof in the winter is much the same as it is during the warmer months. Extra safety precautions do have to be taken, and the installation will probably take longer than it would have in the heat, but it’s still a simple and straightforward process that we’re equipped to handle.
What Problems Are Most Common?
When it comes to winter roof jobs, knowing the potential struggles beforehand will help you stay calm if they arise. The most common issues have to do with the shingles, which we’ll go more into detail about below. Basically, the sealant that is placed on each shingle relies on heat in order to set. Without it, hand sealing is a real possibility and something that takes longer and might cost more money.
Nail guns also have trouble operating in cold temperatures. That’s because nail guns rely on compressed air that, when released, can turn any humidity into water or moisture. In temperatures below freezing, this humidity can turn to ice, reducing the amount of airflow that the gun is able to utilize.
Though this issue doesn’t usually shut the gun down completely, it does greatly increase the chances of one or more nails being either underdriven or overdriven. Roofers must pay more careful attention than normal during cold weather in order to monitor nail placement.
Another potential problem is the risk of falls. Slippery winter conditions aren’t the safest for roof workers. An experienced team like ours utilizes fall prevention equipment and has a plan in place to avoid and to treat injuries caused by falls and slips. Your crew may also need to wait until the morning frost has somewhat melted before they begin work.
Is There an Ideal Temperature for Roof Installations?
Assuming that you’re using asphalt shingles on your roof, the ideal temperature to have them laid and installed would be in the range of 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s closer to fall or spring, your installer might be able to simply wait for a day within this range for the easiest and most successful install possible. There are workarounds for lower temperatures, however, as long as the weather isn’t too extreme.
Shingles Matter
The number one variable affecting winter roof installation concerns the shingles you put on your roof. From the type of shingles you have installed to the tools used to do the job to the sealant or lack of sealant on each piece, your entire installation process rests around these factors. In cold temperatures, asphalt shingles have the potential to break or crack when hammered, making working cautiously extra important.
Sealant is something that needs to be considered during the winter. Each shingle comes with a layer of this sealant, designed to automatically glue to the roof when exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your roof is being installed during a time when seeing 40 degrees isn’t likely, your roof will probably have to be sealed by hand.
The manual process involves individually sealing each shingle. It’s a much longer process than nailing everything down and letting the heat take over, but it’s a necessary practice in order to prevent wind from taking your shingles and flinging them off the roof. It also prevents a common winter occurrence called cold curling, which happens when the edges of the shingles curl up and stiffen in the cold.
Why Winter Roofing Might Save You Money
When it comes to roofing or any outdoor home improvement project, contractors and workers are typically the busiest during the hottest months of the year. Spring and fall are when the work starts back up again, but during the cold winter months, businesses like these don’t have as much work. Because of the low demand, prices are sometimes lowered during the winter months to make up for the lack of work.
Additionally, preventing further damage to your roof and home saves you money on bigger repair jobs you haven’t prepared for. If the damage is severe enough to affect the heating of your home, getting your roof repaired now before too many bills are racked up is the best way to save some cash.
Hire a Crew With Experience
When it comes down to it, whether your winter roofing job goes off without a hitch or whether it turns into a wintery disaster really comes down to the company you choose to hire. Making sure you choose a roofer who has experience working with shingles, sealant, and power tools in below-freezing temperatures is imperative if you want to have a good experience. A newbie to the roofing industry might not know shingles need to be hand sealed, leading to ripped-off shingles landing in your yard the next time a heavy wind rolls through. Though a company with underexperienced workers may charge less, resist the temptation to cut corners if you want the job done right.
Your Indianapolis Roofing Company
Indy Roof & Restoration is an experienced roofing company you can count on to fix any roof issue you have, whether it’s winter or summer. We’ve been serving Indianapolis and the surrounding areas since 2018. In our years of business, we’ve gained a reputation for excellent workmanship and quality customer service skills.
We offer a wide range of roofing services to meet our customers’ needs, from emergency repairs to commercial roofing services. We’re here to help handle all aspects of storm damage as well, from the repair itself to helping sort the bill with your insurance. Give us a call today, and schedule your appointment to learn about how Indy Roof & Restoration can help you.